The Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into the death of a three-month-old baby who died after ingesting ecstasy at his home in Aberdeenshire has been postponed until January.
Olly-James Sievewright died in hospital on December 22, 2019, after being exposed to the party drug at his home in Sandhaven. The infant died as a result of ingesting the drug and having suffered an infection.
The FAI was due to take place on June 11 but will now be held in January, a hearing was told on Wednesday. The postponement follows the discovery of additional information that prompted a police investigation and a review of whether there would be any impact on the conviction of Olly-James's mother.
Mother jailed for seven years
Amy Beck, from Fraserburgh, was jailed for seven years in April 2024 after being found guilty of exposing the newborn to illicit substances at her home, being concerned in the supply of a class B drug, and further charges of exposing children to drugs.
Earlier this year, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) lodged a first notice to begin the court process for the FAI. Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature and are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.
Inquiry to examine care provided
The inquiry will explore the circumstances of Olly-James's death and the adequacy of the care provided to Amy Beck and Olly-James by NHS Grampian and Aberdeenshire social work department.
A continued preliminary hearing was held at Peterhead Sheriff Court on Wednesday to assess the progress of preparations for the FAI.
Lynsey Rodger, for the Crown, said: "I can say at this stage that while little progress had been made in terms of additional preparation, the issue that caused the postponement has, as much as it can be, resolved to the extent that I am satisfied that it's appropriate for this inquiry to continue on track."
Ms Rodger told the hearing the issue that arose was related to the discovery of some additional information that resulted in a police investigation and a review of whether there will be any impact on the conviction of Olly-James's mother.
Ms Rodger said there will be "some minimal effect" on the inquiry, but she does not expect it to cause significant delay going forward.
Sheriff Eilidh MacDonald agreed to arrange a continued preliminary hearing for January 20, 2027.
